[The Bible is an “Eastern” book.  It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

When the Children of Israel left Egypt, they did not leave empty handed.  The Bible says, in the book of Exodus, Chapter 12, verses 35 and 36,

And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

To the western mind this seems kind of ludicrous.  Why in the world would the Egyptians give these people their silver and gold and raiment?   Again, to our minds it seems odd because we are not familiar with the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.

In the Bible times it was very common to “borrow” jewels or raiment for a pilgrimage because a pilgrimage was understood to have God involved in it.  In that culture it was thought that if you helped someone who was going to a pilgrimage it was assisting or taking part in the things of God.

And here is something that is very interesting.  Even though they used the words “borrow” and “lent,” if you gave and never received it back, you didn’t worry about it because you knew you were giving to a good cause.

The Children of Israel were leaving to go and worship their God; that made it a pilgrimage.  God instructed Moses to tell the Children of Israel to “borrow” from the Egyptians for this pilgrimage.

Keep in mind that many, many years before, all the wealth of the world came into Egypt during the famine because a man named Joseph walked with God.  Now, that wealth is given back to God’s people as they leave Egypt.

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There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)